The debate over spanking children has long been a controversial parenting question, but now there's new research on it that can shed more light on its effects in adult life.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics says that spanking, hitting, slapping—or any kind of harsh physical punishment—can lead to mental disorders later in life, even when no other prolonged abuse or neglect is present. In fact, up to seven percent of some adult mental disorders, including anxiety, mania and mood disorders, were the result of harsh physical punishment as a child.

Were you surprised by the findings of the study? Do you spank your children?